“The Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend.”
Exodus 33:11
What was it about Moses that gave him this incredible relationship with God?
Well, we know he had a deep trust in God! After all, he walked away from being a ruler of the most powerful kingdom in his time (Egypt) to—lead a bunch of rebellious slaves in the desert—to a promised land he’d never seen. But, Moses was human too. He had problems and weaknesses. He didn’t always obey God and his disobedience came with great consequences. In fact, he didn’t even get to go into the promised land. (Numbers 20:1-13) But, despite his failings, Moses had something far better than the promised land—an intimate relationship with God!
When I think about why Moses might have had this special and direct relationship with God, one verse comes to mind:
“Now the man Moses was very humble, MORE than ALL men who were on the face of the earth.”
Numbers 12:3
Consider, for a minute, the effect of our pride on our relationship with God: He “resists the proud and gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). Thus, it makes sense that Moses would have been so close to God that they spoke like friends. Read this remarkable discourse between God and Moses. (I took the liberty to rewrite the conversation in 21st century language and in context with what was going on, but please, go to the Bible and read the original!)
Moses: “Lord, I’m confused. You’ve told me to ‘take the people to the promised land,’ but You haven’t told me all the details. You tell me ‘You know me by my name and that I have found favor and grace in your sight,’ so please, Lord, show me Your way so I can know you better and can better lead Your people. Lord, you told us earlier today that because we are a stubborn and stiff necked people that You will NOT go with us to the promised land; but, these are Your people Lord, and I need to know that You are going with us!”
God: “Ok Moses, My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
Moses: “If Your Presence does not go with us, then don’t send us to the Promised Land, for if You are not with us, how will everyone know that Your people and I have found grace in Your sight? ”
God: “I will also do this thing that you have spoken; for you have found grace in My sight, and I know you by name.”
Moses: “Please, show me Your glory so I may know you better.”
God: “Moses, you don’t really know what you are asking for. However, because I am gracious and compassionate, I will make all My goodness pass before you. But keep in mind, you cannot see My face; for no man can see Me, and live. So, look, here is a place by Me, and you shall stand on the rock, which is a place of safety. So it shall be, while My glory passes by, that I will put you in the cleft of this rock, and will cover you with My hand while I pass by. Then I will take away My hand, and you shall see My back; but My face shall not be seen.”
Exodus 33: 3,11-23
Moses asked God to reveal His glory; and what did God do?
God promised to show Moses His goodness. (Exodus 22:18) Isn’t that interesting? God’s glory is manifested to us in a way we can understand by—His goodness. If we don’t know that God is good, we don’t know much about Him at all—do we? Moses had seen God’s provision for Israel and that goodness drew him deeper into obedience and humility. He didn’t want to go anywhere without God. He wanted his life and the life of the nation of Israel to 100%—represent God. Is it any wonder that God spoke to Him as a friend?
Ah, my dear friend, the experience of friendship with God is not exclusive to Moses. Jesus promises us that He will be OUR friend!
“You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.”
John 15:14-15
Friendship with God can be the same today as it was with Moses. After we become His child through receiving the GIFT OF SALVATION, we then become His FRIEND by humbling ourselves and becoming obedient to His will.
God longs to give us the greatest friendship we will ever experience!
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2 Responses
Kim, this is amazing! I’d love to read more of your “translations” as stepping stones to Bible study! And in case anyone takes issue with it, you’re not “re-writing” the Bible to serve an individual agenda because the message remains the same. It’s just easier for us beginners to understand. Like an a-ha moment where you realize “Oh THAT’S what that means!” Thank you!
Thank you, Elizabeth! A child-like imagination guided by God’s Spirit is a powerful combination! Thank you for your comments…it helps so much to know what helps others. 😊 I’m praying for you on your journey. ~Kimberly